A Lewiston man is facing felony charges after 450 marijuana plants were found in the Park Street building where he lives.

Police said John Katula, a one-time medical marijuana caregiver, tried to use his past as an excuse.

"He actually produced an expired caregivers card to the Lewiston police officers. and in fact he was still continuing to grow well outside the boundaries of the medical marijuana use program," said Scott Pelletier, a commander with Maine Drug Enforcement.

The Maine DEA said it's a problem among some who try to abuse the Maine Medical Marijuana Act.

Last month, a Boston man claimed to be a caregiver when he was caught with 41 pounds of pot in his car.

Officials said some think it's small crime in the scope of drug enforcement.

"A majority of our crimes are heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, I think there's this perception that law enforcement, they're just going to leave me alone," said Pelletier.

Caregivers are only allowed to grow marijuana for five patients, with each one allowed up to six plants.

And although the Department of Health and Human Services said a majority of caregivers follow the rules, they lack some powers to make sure people stay compliant.

"The department has attempted to get enforcement authority over the last two legislative sessions to no avail," said Ken Albert with DHHS.

DHHS hopes lawmakers in this session will grant the agency the ability to better monitor and perhaps even audit growers, something that currently doesn't happen here in Maine.

"If they're not within the scope of the program, typically it's a criminal matter. And you're treated just like any other criminal matter," said Pelletier.

Katula was the only person living in the building where all the marijuana was found.

He was taken to the Androscoggin County Jail where bail was set at $5,000.